Vitamin
E

Vitamin E presents itself in eight forms called
isomers, four of which are tocopherols and the other four are
tocotrienols.

All the isomers have chromanol rings with hydroxyl
groups which
provide the hydrogen atom the component to reduce the free radicals to
make a hydrophobic side chain which penetrates through the biological
membranes of the body.

The alpha, bet, gamma and the delta form of the
tocopherols as
well as the tocotrienols decide the number of the methyl groups within
the chromanol rings. Each of these forms have their own biological
activity which measures the function and the potency of Vitamin E in
the individual.

How
much should we take?

Previous studies showed that Americans failed to meet the recommended
amounts in their normal diet.

The IOM or Institute of Medicine reports that
Vitamin E intake is
lower compared to the fat and energy intake of Americans, as seen in
conducted national surveys. The IOM also believed that most North
Americans can get enough if they follow a diet consisting of mostly
vegetable oils.

However, Vitamin E may act as anticoagulant. If
this happens,
then there is a greater risk of bleeding problems. Therefore it is
regulated to 1000 mg each day for those who are going through the
ailment. The government doesn’t recommend excessive dosages
as to the
fact that it increases bleeding. This is because there are synthetic
and semi synthetic supplements that increase the mortality
rate.

What
is considered a deficiency?

Deficiency is
apparent to those who are not able to absorb dietary fat, those who are
premature, those who have low birth weight when they were infants and
those who have rare disorders such as fat metabolism.

The deficiencies are usually characterized by
problems in the nervous system because of poor conduction.

Individuals who have difficulty in absorbing fat
require Vitamin
E supplements because they need dietary fat in order to absorb their
intake of the nutrient in the gastrointestinal tract.

Anyone who has been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis
or has had
their stomach or part of it removed suffer malabsorptive problems like
liver disease, Crowns disease and pancreatic insufficiency.

These deficiencies are inherited and this results
to poor
absorption. This may create problems in the nerves, muscles and the
retina which can eventually lead to blindness.

Individuals who have been diagnosed with
deficiencies must be prescribed special supplements in order to treat
the disorder.

Health
Risks

Research has shown that Vitamin E may either prevent or delay coronary
heart problems. It limits the oxidation in the body and prevents the
formation of blood clots which could result in a heart attack.

Also, because it is an antioxidant, it protects
against the effects
of radicals which contribute to the development of cancer. It blocks
the formation of nitrosamines which are located in the stomach. It also
enhances the immune system.

Finally, the inadequacy can cloud the tissue of
the eye lens.
This augments the individuals risk of going blind. Observational
studies have shown that Vitamin E can help prevent this.